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Accurately and effectively performing first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential for first responders—from EMTs to firefighters, lifeguards and park rangers alike. Whether you’re administering first aid or performing CPR for the first time or the 500th time, it can sometimes be easy to forget some simple recommendations. Follow this quick and easy first aid and CPR manual to make sure you’re performing lifesaving care at your peak.

You can’t give first aid if you’re injured yourself.

First aid and CPR manuals insist that the most important step of providing first aid happens before you even begin administering any care. As a first responder, you must secure the scene itself to ensure it will remain safe while you’re caring for the injured individual. Remember, you should only move an injured person if he or she is in danger or must be moved in order to receive first aid or CPR.

CPR training manuals tell you to “assess the who and the where.”

When you come upon the scene of an emergency, take an inventory of who is there and who and how many people are injured. You should be as specific as possible when phoning for additional help. If you can’t describe where you are, help won’t be able to find you.

Keep universal precautions in mind and wear your PPE.

All bodily fluids should be treated as though they’re carrying germs and/or diseases. When administering first aid or performing CPR, remember to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes gloves, eye protection and a mask.

An injury is unlikely, but it’s better than death.

When performing CPR, many first responders are initially concerned about giving compressions that are too hard and may harm the person to whom they’re providing care. However, compressions are the most important part of CPR as they help pump blood to the heart and brain. It’s better to push too hard than not hard enough.

AEDs are safe and easy to use.

An automatic external defibrillator (AED) can be used in conjunction with CPR to shock an injured individual’s heart and to help blood pump through his or her body. Remember to take note of the diagrams on the AED pads when placing them on an individual’s body.

Do your research when it comes to available courses and test preparation materials.

Health Ed Solutions, the leading provider of online healthcare certifications, has a variety of course options whether you need to certify or recertify in first aid, CPR, AED use or all three. CPR and AED online certification is a great option for any busy professional, and especially for a first responder who works nontraditional hours and isn’t available for in-person classes.

Regardless of how you ultimately study for CPR courses and first aid certification, familiarizing yourself with the CPR training manual and first aid certification course materials can help you arm yourself with the knowledge you need to pass the course and effectively perform CPR and first aid in life-threatening emergencies.